A/C Issue and the Dealer

Took the Prius in for 5K service. While there I asked them to check out the A/C system.

The A/C would cool but not get cold. I confirmed this by sticking a meat thermometer into the vent. I would get 60 degrees, maybe 50 at night if I was lucky.

I did not know if this was normal for the hybrid with a belt less system.

After picking up the Prius, the notes mentioned that the A/C system was operating within normal parameters and the Prius was run for 5 miles and the temp hit and maintained 40 degrees. No repairs were performed on the A/C system.

As I got into my car, I started it up and turned on the A/C. As I was readjusting the seat, I noticed that the air temperature was noticeably cooler. (INTERESTING) I pulled out the thermometer and put it back into the vent. As I hit the freeway....40 degrees.


I know that there had to be an adjustment done. I suspect that the heater valve was adjusted to make sure that it was 100% closed.

What I find interesting is that the tech said "operating within normal parameters" and I get the car back with the A/C working better.

Just what are they afraid of?

 

Ok Guys.....more details.


The mode was normal and the setting was LO.

The point is, before letting the service department work on the car, I confirmed that the A/C system was not getting cold but was cooling.

I took the car in around 5250 miles. The condition was there since the first time I started using the A/C.

It was probably 2 weeks after I purchased the car before using the A/C. The weather was cool/cold and rainy.

The first time I noticed was during my trip to Arizona. On the way home going down hill doing 75-80 mph in normal mode, setting on LO. The A/C did not feel cold at all. Had the entire family in the car and it was getting "warm" inside.

To confirm this, I put a temperature probe into the vents. This was around 2500 miles or so. The A/C would go down to 50 degrees when it was getting dark outside. Since this meant the outside temperature was cooler then the daytime.

So, for 2500 + miles, I observed the behavior of the A/C system in all modes, speeds, weather conditions, as the outside temperature was starting to warm up in my area.

How do I know that it was probably the heater valve? I had the same situation in both my 01 Tundra and 02 Sequoia.

When the A/C system is turned on the system will close the valve. If the valve is not fully closed, hot air from the core will take away from the cooling capacity of the system.

This is not a hard adjustment to fix. Turn the system on cold (LO) inspect the valve to see if it is fully close. If not, release the clamp on cable and readjust until it is fully close and reinstall the clamp.

If I took the time to crack the hood, I would do it myself.

But, since it was going in for service, I let the dealer document and correct the situation.

My problem, I made observations before and after the service. If there was no adjustments made, the temperature range would have stayed the same.

With a temperature probe, I was able to confirm that the system was now running colder.

Go to any A/C shop and they too will use a temperature probe to check the output of the system. If it is not cooling, they will start to troubleshoot. Looking at the heater valve, checking the level of freon, and looking for leaks.


If I left anything out....let me know.

I just have an issue with the tech not documenting that any work was done.

BTW - It's FRIDAY! Happy long weekend everyone! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

 

I forgot to mention....flow is on face only and fan speed on high....even lowers fan speed to see if the core would get cooler due to the slower air flow.

 

LOL.....I did forget to mention that it was on recirc...

 

Just an update...

CA to Vegas trip. Death Valley hit 111 degrees and it was 106 in Vegas.

No problems with the A/C.

Temp at the vents were 42-48 degrees, depending on fan speed and temp.

A/C on Recirc - Auto (72 degrees) - Eco...........

Took the car out on one of the days - 104 out - short drive, maybe 5-6 miles.

The car had no problems cooling the car.

Just wanted to give everyone an update.

Wish there were some vents in the headliner for the rear seat passengers. I have them in my Sequoia and the kids love having a vent that blows air right at them.

 

I just have the old fashioned dial type. Accurate if they are zeroed out and adjustable.

I just left it clipped in the vent the whole time. I turned the 40 degree mark so it was on top....